Assessment of Collaborative Learning in Online Discussions

Abstract

This paper will examine how an online forum can be used in work integrated learning as a vehicle for students to demonstrate their learning in the workplace and to facilitate collaborative learning. Collaborative learning is valuable in work integrated learning subjects because it enables students to make linkages between their experiences and those of others, share positive and negative aspects of placements with their peers and gain an overall picture of work in the relevant sector. It also enables students to demonstrate to their peers what they have learned. Collaborative learning can be readily facilitated in face to face classes, for example, in teacher or student led discussions or by means of student presentations. However, where a work integrated learning subject is offered to external students or where face to face classes are minimal, the collaborative aspect of student learning needs to occur by other means, such as an online forum. The use of an online forum can also enable students to demonstrate their learning by reflecting upon their work and self evaluating their own performance. This paper will review the literature regarding the benefits of using online discussion forums to promote collaborative learning and reflection and the design and assessment of such forums. Despite the value of online discussions in work integrated learning, it has been argued that a truly objective tool to measure learning evidenced by online discussions has not yet been developed. This paper will suggest a model for assessable online discussion forums that will facilitate student collaboration in legal work placement subjects.